Maribel Flores uses a computer in Oklahoma City Community College’s Capitol Hill Center. The college is temporarily using classroom space in Capitol Hill United Methodist Church. Photo By Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman

“We provide the kind of classes that are relevant to our community,” he said.

Assessing needs

Gallegos said he hopes eventually to see the center offer Spanish courses to English speakers. Ideally, the center would partner English-speaking students with Spanish-speaking students so both groups are able to practice their language skills with native speakers.

“Maybe it'll work, maybe it won't,” he said. “We're going to give it a shot.”

As the center grows, he said, he and other leaders will meet with community members to try and find out what classes residents might be interested in taking. That could mean visiting elementary schools, holding informal meetings and even going door to door, he said.

Depending on the interests of the community, those classes could include topics ranging from using social network sites to gardening, he said.

Tools for success

The center plays a critical role in the Capitol Hill district, Gallegos said. In a low-income area, centers such as this one can act as drivers of economic development, he said, giving people the tools they need to get jobs that pay more than minimum wage.

The center also offers empowerment, he said. Students come into the center with little or no knowledge in a particular area and leave with a better understanding.

For some, Gallegos said, that may mean being computer-savvy enough to help their children with their homework. For others, it could be how to build a resume and handle a job interview.

“This is the area that needs the most training,” he said. “Above all, we are here to serve our Oklahoma City community.”